Things to Do

What’s on in Dunedin when you’re in town?

Dunedin is an exciting destination with a wonderful mix of experiences on offer to delight all the senses, from amazing local cuisine to breathtaking scenery as well as a great variety of interesting people, places and activities to suit all ages, abilities and interests.

From international sporting events to pop concerts Dunedin venues are featuring more and more on the national event calendar. You may have tickets to an upcoming event, and need to book your accommodation well in advance, so why not make a weekend of it and book in for two nights’ stay.

If you have a particular interest in mind, be sure to ask us when you book – we are happy to make enquires and bookings on your behalf. Or just pop into reception for a chat and we can help you come up with ideas on how to make the most of your stay here.

Featured favourites all year round and seasonal annual events

Here are some of our personal favourites we love to recommend to guests

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Orokonui Ecosanctuary offers visitors both guided tours and self-guided walking for visitors wishing to experience the sights and sounds of the enchanting native New Zealand forest. Among the Orokonui resident native birds and lizards that you may encounter during your visit are the takahe and tuatara, as well as Otago skinks, kaka, bellbirds and tui.

A 30 minute drive via Port Chalmers, you can continue on to Waitati and come out onto State Highway 1 north of Dunedin at Blueskin Bay.

Lanarch Castle

Lanarch Castle is New Zealand’s only castle, and one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Located on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle offers castle tours, stunning gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences. This iconic symbol of the city’s Scottish heritage is at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience.

Otago Museum

Otago Museum offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions and events along with its year-round attractions. Entry to the Museum and the galleries is free, with paid entry to special areas like the interactive Otago Community Trust Science Centre, the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium or the Beautiful Science gallery, and the ever-popular butterfly rainforest.

Dunedin Farmers Market

Voted New Zealand’s most outstanding farmer’s market, the Otago Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 8AM to 12:30PM. Locals and visitors converge here to sample artisan foods from the 50-75 stallholders offering everything imaginable from cheeses and chutneys to fresh baked breads and pastries and more. There is seasonal produce and plants on offer as well as delicious hot food and coffee to tantalise your taste buds.

Summer

Thieves Alley Market Day

A hugely popular event in the Dunedin summer calendar, the Thieves Alley Market Day takes place in the Octagon and surrounding streets of Dunedin’s city centre. Entertainment and street performers as well as hundreds of stalls selling an array of crafts, jewellery, art, clothing, local delicacies and more, this is a great day out for the whole family.

The next annual Thieves Alley Market Day is scheduled for Saturday 9 February 2019

Autumn/Fall

iD Dunedin Fashion Week

One of the top events on the New Zealand fashion calendar is Dunedin’s very on iD Fashion Week. High profile international and Kiwi designers and emerging fashion labels converge in a unique fashion mash-up like no other! The week is packed with exhibitions, designer talks, pop-up stores, fashion films and exclusive behind-the-scenes encounters.

Winter

Dunedin Midwinter Carnival

The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is a free public event held every year. It celebrates the passing of the Winter Solstice with an evening of beauty, light and incredible artistry. The event is held in the Octagon and usually takes place on the closest Saturday to the Winter Solstice. For updates on the next Midwinter Carnival visit the Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust Facebook page.

Spring

Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival

A celebration of Dunedin’s local craft breweries, the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival this top contender in the Otago University Student Association calendar will mark its seventh year in 2019. The event is open to the public and provides plenty of food and entertainment to complement the vast array of lovingly brewed bevvies making their debut in the craft beer scene. Other associated events are held during the week leading up to the festival with local restaurants offering special degustation menus with palate-pleasing beer and food matches.